I imagine it would be drinkable but I don't think it will have improved at all after 3+ years. By then it has started to go downhill. In my opinion it's definitely best within the first year or two, when the flavors are still more distinct and less sort of smudged together and oxidized.

I should note that I do not have a proper cellar that stays at 53 degrees all year round -- I just have a basement. Right now it is probably 70-72 down there, which greatly accelerates the aging process.

Not sure if anyone has been into the Gomers in Parkville lately but I stopped in today and was impressed with their remodel. It seems like their selection has improved as well over the past few months. There was nothing uber rare but they had some Prairie Paradise and Pe-Kan, American Solera Eng-Yak and The Ground is Shaking, Grimm Double Negative and some other good stuff. These beers may be sitting around a lot of places but I don't frequent the bottle shops like I used to. If you happen to be in Parkville though I recommend making a stop there.

tylerajen wrote:Why would a barrel aged 12% quad have a drink by date on it? And why would it be only 2 years after release? I bet it would still be good 3 years from now.

To add to Eric's response and at the risk of stating the obvious, it is because 2 years is the window in which the brewer feels the product will be at its best if stored properly. In my experience, a beer--even a big beer--that keeps in peak condition for years or improves, is the exception, not the rule.

tylerajen wrote:Why would a barrel aged 12% quad have a drink by date on it? And why would it be only 2 years after release? I bet it would still be good 3 years from now.

I drank this 2-3 weeks after this post. It was still ok but was better fresh. I wouldn't pay a premium for it. The barrel qualities just don't last as long with that beer I suppose.

To add to Eric's response and at the risk of stating the obvious, it is because 2 years is the window in which the brewer feels the product will be at its best if stored properly. In my experience, a beer--even a big beer--that keeps in peak condition for years or improves, is the exception, not the rule.

tylerajen wrote:Why would a barrel aged 12% quad have a drink by date on it? And why would it be only 2 years after release? I bet it would still be good 3 years from now.

I drank this 2-3 weeks after this post. It was still ok but was better fresh. I wouldn't pay a premium for it. The barrel qualities just don't last as long with that beer I suppose.

To add to Eric's response and at the risk of stating the obvious, it is because 2 years is the window in which the brewer feels the product will be at its best if stored properly. In my experience, a beer--even a big beer--that keeps in peak condition for years or improves, is the exception, not the rule.

Things you will never hear in Belgium. I subconsciously almost reported this post lol.